FAQ

• Why OpenFender

  Why OpenFender?

  OpenFender is here to streamline the process of getting racers sponsored with modern and secure payment tools that allow fans to fund those racers and get them on the track every weekend. We want to ensure that the best racers, regardless of financial background, are competing for the betterment of the sport and the entertainment of the fans. Your account on OpenFender is your access to a fan-sourced funding platform from grassroots all the way to top sponsorship.

  Who is OpenFender?

  OpenFender is a group of motorsports enthusiasts led by founder Mason Filippi with one simple goal - funding performance. Check out our About Us page and learn more.

  Why should I use OpenFender?/Can I just use a charity platform (ie GoFundMe)?/What makes you different?

  We built OpenFender for the racing community to create a path towards sponsorship and professional status. We understand that racers are seeking support and opportunity, not charity. Racing fans and funders aren’t looking to give handouts - they simply want to be a part of your team and part of the racing success. We all win when racers are competing on the track, not with others who are in need of charitable help or business funding.

  Who should use OpenFender?

  Any and all motorsports racer, regardless of track or format. If you race on pavement, dirt, snow or even virtually in e-racing, we want to help get you funded.

• Profile

  Is a profile necessary?

  Yes. Supporters need to know who they are funding and where those funds are going. The more supporters and sponsors can connect with racers, the more funding will flow to the account, so a complete and compelling profile serves everybody best. Supporters don’t need a profile to fund racers.

  What elements are required to complete a profile?

  We require Name, Email, Password, Racing Category, and a Profile Image or Icon. A complete profile will increase your funding chances.

  Do I need a photo?

  Your supporters want to connect with you. Use a picture with your face and add others to show your race gear, vehicles, podiums, and time with your friends and fans.

  Do I need to link my social media?

  In your profile editor, you copy your social media link (e.g., https://www.instagram.com/masonfilippi/) and paste it in the appropriate section. We automatically turn it into a clickable button on your profile.

  I race in multiple categories, do I need separate profiles for each?

  No. You can have one profile with multiple vehicles. If you like, you can create separate sponsorship or fundraising campaigns for specific goals in each category.

  How can I make the most of my profile?

  We recommend filling out each section on the profile and creating at least one campaign. Sharing your profile link on social media will also bring more attention to each aspect of your OpenFender profile and other social media profiles. Check our Best Practices page.

  What if my vehicle is not on OpenFender?

  You don’t need your exact vehicle, you just need a good representation for your fans and sponsors. Choose one from the base set of vehicle images we created that most resembles what you race.

• Payment/Funding

  How do I get funded?

  It’s easy and you can get funded by anyone! Simply create a profile, set up your fundraising goal or just use the Boost feature. Share your personal OpenFender QR code or just direct your fans to your OpenFender page. Your supporters will contribute and we’ll do the rest.

  How often do I get funded?

  As often as people support you. OpenFender will process your payout based the schedule you choose and move the funds into your account using your preferred payment method.

  I have other funding sources/sponsors - should I direct them through OpenFender?

  OpenFender was built specifically for the needs of racers and will be the easiest platform for you and your supporters. It’s the best way to share payment options while protecting your privacy and personal banking details. Other platforms are designed for occasional personal money transfers and often frequent pay-ins on those other platforms raise red-flags in fraud systems and lead to locked accounts. OpenFender is designed for the volume of funding from various sources you need to successfully fuel your racing goals. You will have the marketing and promotion support, and the reporting and tools needed for accounting and for growing into a sponsorship level racing category. Your sponsors will appreciate using a platform that makes it easy to track their contributions. Take the guess-work out of sponsorship!

  How do my sponsors and boosters fund me?

  They simply scan your QR code or visit your site and enter the payment details. OpenFender handles the processing and moves the money into your account.

  How much does OpenFender charge?

  We encourage the supporters to cover the ~3% transaction and processing fees. There is a small additional cost of a few percent to cover the site, promotions, racing affiliations and sponsorship outreach.

  What is covered by OpenFender’s fees?

  Your OpenFender account comes with a profile page, a personal QR code, and money transfer into your account*.

  What can I use my funds for?

  Your funds can be used for any or all of your racing needs - tires, parts, track fees, travel, licenses, etc. Use your fundraising option to set a specific category and goal and let supporters know how their money will be setting you up to compete and win.

• Sponsorship/Boosters/Campaigns

  What’s the difference between a Boost, a Fundraising Campaign, and a Sponsorship?

  Boost is how your fans will support you at any time! Put up your QR codes at races, on Tee Shirts, or anywhere you can imagine to get the support from your fans. Every dollar counts in racing. The boost categories are in order to set you up with what you need! Fundraising campaigns are for fan-sourced specific goals. Supporters can watch fundraising progress and contribute as they like to ensure the target is met. Fans engage for that large ticket item knowing that the racing community is behind it. Sponsorship is money in exchange for advertising or marketing. That is, your sponsor’s logo or message on your vehicle or uniform. Think of it as buying visibility when you’re on the track, podium and at events. You can sell a specific space and work with your sponsors on the logo and message.

  How do I confirm the racer I sponsored is displaying my logo?

  We recommend contacting the racer for images of your sponsorship. Your company logo on the side of a car is great for advertising through your own social media as well. Bring your team to the race and go support your racer!

  What do I get for funding a racer?

  You’ll be instrumental in their competition and success. When funding a racer you support them in their journey to fulfill their dreams and increase the quality of competition at the same time. Some racers will engage with their funders with Hero Cards, stickers, shout-outs, or giveaways.

  What if the area I have open for sponsorship is not on the vehicle?

  We encourage drivers and teams to use the “Custom” Section for OpenFender. This can be used for things like - Helmets, Suits, Social media, streaming and anything else you can think of.